Chas Dodd has not varied his approach the past two seasons, even though he has played sparingly during that time: Practice and prepare as if you’re the starter because you never know when something will happen.

But this week is a little different, Rutgers’ senior quarterback admitted.

“There’s a heightened sense of awareness (with) being ready knowing there’s a higher chance (of playing) this week,” he said.

For now, Dodd doesn’t know if he will get his first start since the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl or if he will continue to back up Gary Nova, listed as probable on the school’s updated injury report for Saturday’s Arkansas game. Coach Kyle Flood didn’t shed any light Monday on Nova’s status for this weekend, although he did say he wanted to have some clarity about the situation by the start of practice Tuesday “so we can set the course of the week in terms of reps for the quarterbacks between Gary and Chas and Mike Bimonte as well.”

If Nova can’t return to practice by Tuesday, it would tilt the starting decision toward Dodd.

“I don't know if you put a quarterback in a great position if you put him out there without actually practicing what he’s going to see and what he's going to go against,” Flood said.

Dodd played in just three games and attempted one pass a year ago, and appeared headed for the same fate until Nova suffered a concussion on one of two helmet-to-helmet hits on Rutgers’ opening drive against Eastern Michigan last Saturday. Nova stayed in to finish the eight-play, 87-yard series that ended in a touchdown, but didn’t take another snap after that, with Dodd replacing him.

A rusty Dodd -- he’d attempted one pass the first two games -- was 4-of-9 passing for 45 yards and was sacked three times.

“It’s tough,” said Dodd. “You sit a year and then kind of get thrown in. But I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this and if it were to come along I’ve been preparing for it. It’s a big opportunity if it happens. I’m aware of that.”

Dodd, 8-8 as a starter his freshman and sophomore seasons, said his experience will help him against the 3-0 Razorbacks, the first SEC school ever to play in Piscataway. The same can’t be said of his back up if Nova is out: Third-year sophomore Mike Bimonte has never taken a snap in a game.

“I think it is important having a background going out and winning games for this team in the past,” said Dodd. “I’d call on that – and, of course, being ready, which is something I always try to be.”

The absence of Nova would put additional pressure on running back Paul James, who leads the nation in rushing yards with 493. It was a year ago, in a 35-26 victory at Arkansas that Nova has his best day as a collegian, throwing for 397 yards and five touchdowns.

A Nova-less offense will also challenge first-year offensive coordinator Ron Prince to find ways to compensate.

“Philosophically it won't change what we’ll do,” Flood said. “I think where it changes the most is from a play-calling standpoint. That is the art of being a play caller. It is making sure that what you have in the game plan, you’re able to accentuate through the players that are on the field.

“And that's not just the quarterback. That could be the receivers, the running backs.”